Division of Research Overview

This page provides an overview of the structure of the Division of Research at UNSW, as well as outlining the key executive, administrative and support units within the Division.

Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)

Professor Nicholas Fisk, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) is responsible for the strategic research direction and overall research performance of the University, and in particular, maintaining and advancing the University's profile in research and research training, as well as technology transfer.

Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)

Professor Emma Johnston, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) provides strategic leadership and support to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) in the generation of external research income and improving UNSW’s overall research performance, and in attracting and retaining outstanding academic staff, research only staff and higher degree research students to UNSW.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) is also responsible for UNSW’s international research strategy, research partnerships including affiliated research institutes, eResearch strategy, research ethics and safety and effective promotion of the University’s research capability and research profile.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) acts in the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) in their absence.

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Training) & Dean of Graduate Research

Professor Laura Poole-Warren, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Training) & Dean of Graduate Research provides strategic leadership and support to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) in all matters relating higher degree research, early career researchers and researcher development. The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Training) is also responsible for strategy and policy relating to early career and higher degree researchers, including strategic national and international partnerships on higher degree training.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Training) has executive responsibility for the Graduate Research School and the Researcher Development Unit, the central units responsible for administration of HDR candidatures and for researcher training and development.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Training) acts in the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) during absence.

Associate Professor Grainne Moran, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure) provides strategic leadership and support to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) in overseeing the centrally managed shared research facilities at UNSW. The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure) is also responsible for strategy and policy relating to research infrastructure in general, including internal and external infrastructure funding schemes and effective operation, development and financial sustainability of infrastructure.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure) has responsibility for the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, the central unit managing major shared experimental research facilities across UNSW, providing advanced instrumentation, research support, training and collaboration for researchers.

Units

Research Services incorporates the Office of the Executive Director, Grants Management Office (GMO), Research Ethics and Compliance Support (RECS) and the Research Analysis, Performance and Profile Office (RAPPO).

Collectively, the Portfolio is responsible for the management of grant applications and post-award funding, including grants, contracts, consulting research and internal funding; providing strategic advice and data on the University’s research performance and its position in various world university rankings systems; as well as supporting clear processes for research involving humans, animals, gene technology and radiation safety, all of which are linked to research integrity and its underpinning principles.

The UNSW Grants Management Office provides the University's researchers with support in pursuing and administering research funding. The Office facilitates the research efforts of UNSW staff by assisting with applications for grants and fellowships, the negotiation of research contracts and the administration of externally funded funds.

The Research Ethics Compliance and Support (RECS) team coordinates committees and processes for research involving humans, animals, gene technology and radiation safety and provides advice on legislative and other requirements in these areas.

The Research Strategy and Partnerships Office (RSPO) aims to enhance UNSW’s research performance and profile by identifying opportunities for research funding (including awards and fellowships) and maximising the opportunity for success by advising/or directly assisting with the development of high quality applications. The RSPO is also responsible for UNSW Research Centres and Institutes.

The Research Strategy and Partnerships Office also provides strategic leadership in the identification, establishment and effective management of research partnerships including industry, government, other external partners including medical research institutes and affiliated institutions, and is responsible for UNSW’s participation in productive contract research, consulting, multi-venture initiatives and philanthropic research partnerships.

The Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre houses major instrumentation used by researchers in the Faculties of Science, Medicine and Engineering for the study of the structure and composition of biological, chemical and physical materials. The Centre also does specialist consulting work for external clients. In addition, it provides the technical/professional support for the instruments.

The Research Analysis, Performance & Profile Office is a dedicated unit established to support the goal of continuously improving UNSW's position as a leading research intensive university in Australia.